Röda jorden

Red Earth gets its name from the so-called iron ochre, which consists of iron oxides that give the area's soil its rusty red color. The iron content of the soil is high enough to be used to make iron. Iron production started here over 2,500 years ago and is the oldest iron production site in Bergslagen found so far.

Six sites for iron production have been found here. The furnaces were built of raised stone slabs dug into the ground to form a four-sided frame. The stone frame was lined with clay on the inside. The furnaces were driven by bellows. Archaeological investigations have also revealed a clay-lined pit about ten centimeters deep. This is probably a forging pit that was also driven with a bellows. The forge pit was used to separate iron from slag. The discovery of a wooden axe in connection with the pit may indicate that the iron was further processed into finished products.

Five of the prehistoric ironmaking sites have been linked by a two-kilometer-long hiking trail, which ends at the site where a reconstructed furnace can be used to experimentally demonstrate how iron is made from red earth. Every summer, iron is made using old methods during Red Earth Day.

Thanks to the great commitment of the association, tours and activities can be held at Red Earth.